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OPINION

Is Arizona reopening too slowly, too quickly or just fast enough?

Arizona Republic
Published 6:05 a.m. MT May 4, 2020

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A gradual reopening might be OK, columnist Robert Robb says, but Gov. Doug Ducey was far too conservative in extending his stay at home order.
Arizona Republic

Opinion: Gov. Doug Ducey extended his stay at home order to May 15, with modifications. Our Voices: Engaging Arizona panel reacts to the decision.

The governor has extended Arizona's stay-at-home order to May 15 and outlined a general plan for reopening businesses – with non-essential retail reopening in stages, starting May 4, followed by dine-in service at restaurants, perhaps as early as May 12.

What about the governor's plan? Is Arizona moving too fast, too slow or just right on reopening?

Here are excerpts from the debate on our Voices: Engaging Arizona Facebook group.

Amy Nuez, Glendale: The closure is impacting our economy, small businesses and individuals themselves. With that said, it is important to remain cautious about reopening the state to ensure the health and well-being of the population. I am pleased with the approach Governor Ducey is taking.

Mike McClellan, Gilbert: For someone who relies on a conservative base for his support, Governor Ducey is showing some political courage here, especially given the speak first, think later opposition he faces.

One part of his guidelines, though, confuses me. We are to stay home until at least May 15, but he’s allowing retail to open fully by May 8 and restaurants to open for dining in on May 12. Shouldn’t the stay at home date and opening of stores and restaurants align?

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Thomas Klabunde, Tempe: It feels to me like the goalposts are being moved. The whole point of closures was to "flatten the curve" so the health-care system would not be overwhelmed. It didn't mean no one was going to get sick, only that it wouldn't be all at once.

It seems this concern has passed. People tend to confuse models with reality. At best they are an approximate guess, and for something like this, not even close to weather forecasting models. I think people have been sufficiently educated and made aware of the risks so that "reopening" can move forward with a reasonable level of risk.

Jude Clark, Buckeye: Looking at the photo from an Apache Juction protest and the "rally" at the Capitol last week, it's apparent some people never got the memo about flattening the curve and the need for social distancing. No masks, no gloves and certainly no distancing.

Without widespread testing and the ability of people to be active carriers while being asymptomatic, any belief the curve has flattened is just that, a belief bereft of fact. Are you willing to sit next to someone, or be served by someone, whose status is asymptomatic and not tested? Not me.

Kathleen Noble, Mesa: I still am wondering if more testing in Arizona will show much higher rates of infection than we now see. In our Mesa 55-plus golf community, we have been staying in and safe so far. Expect to see my hubs and I wearing masks when we have to go out for a long time!

I sympathize with those out of work and who own businesses, though. They need real relief.

People protest against Gov. Doug Ducey's delay to reopen some businesses on May 1, 2020 in Apache Junction.(Photo: Eli Imadali, Eli Imadali/The Republic)

Don Watz, Peoria: The plan is just right, only because we need to have faith in Governor Ducey and our leaders based on where we are today. Let’s give credit when credit is due: Arizona is not a hot spot. Nothing in this pandemic is going to be perfect.

For over 300 families, these are the worst of times. For businesses on the brink, these are the worst of times. For others, certainly not the best of times, but not the worst. Strong leadership has given us the model to follow and many or “enough” of Arizona’s citizens have listened to prevent overwhelmed hospitals and a shortage of ventilators and/or PPE. The leaders of Arizona deserve our confidence vote right now.

Mary Marshall, Gilbert: Governor Ducey’s plan is both cautious and reasonable in a time of great uncertainty. No one has all the answers, but it’s time to move ahead and he deserves credit for his efforts to balance the health of our citizens with the health of our economy.

Leslie Plummer, Phoenix: I have been out and about doing all the family shopping for the last five weeks, with a mask, wipes in my hands to touch handles, antibacterial gel as soon as I'm back in the car, etc. I was at Home Depot in the delivery/pickup space, and the parking lot and store was packed, as in pre-COVID level. And so many without masks. There will be 30% out there not thinking or caring there's a risk any longer, so even more constant vigilance by the rest of us will be required.

Sue Raatjes, Phoenix: I was impressed with Governor Ducey's press conference. He presented facts and logical decision-making goals in a confident, clear manner. He showed real leadership, similar to what we've seen from Governor Cuomo of New York. I am pleased he extended our shutdown to the 15th, when it can be re-evaluated. I also was pleased to see his charts showing our hospitals are prepared in case a surge occurs, either now or during flu season.

Claudia Gilburd, Carefree: I support Governor Ducey's decisions wholeheartedly. He seems to have great respect for Dr. Christ's counsel and together they've kept our state in the lower range of cases per capita. Opening slowly allows for quicker responses when case rates increase. And they will.

Pamela Prenovost, Mesa: I believe that Governor Ducey has come up with a well-thought plan and I respect his courage in taking this stand and not bowing to pressure to reopen too soon.

Want in on this and other civil debates about the news? Fill out a short form to join our moderated Voices: Engaging Arizona Facebook group.